In the bushland near New City, a nighttime battle occurs, leaving Joe King severely injured but alive. This is followed by a months-long hospital stay in an expensive private clinic. Only with great effort can Queenie finance the stay. She becomes entangled in dangerous relationships with the underworld of New City. Meanwhile, Joe King's enemies, led by Sidney Bighorn, are not idle. They aim to take advantage of the rebellious Indian's absence and create facts on the ground to restore the old order. Additionally, Joe King is suspected of having murdered the drug smuggler Esmeralda O'Connor.